Global Social Work

Catalog description

This course introduces students to concepts related to the global development of social work, preparing students for work at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels in a global context. Students will explore how political, economic, cultural, faith-based, historical, and environmental factors impact social welfare policies and the delivery of human services in different regions of the world. Issues that may be included are: human rights, provision of basic life necessities, hunger and nutritional insufficiency, education, economic development, strains related to urbanization and modernization, ethnic conflict, environment and community health, and immigrant and migration rights. Course readings, discussion, and assignments will focus on the difference between what is universal and what is culturally specific about social welfare issues and interventions, and the ways that these must be adapted to increase their relevance for work in developing regions of the world, in international aid or relief organizations, and in programs for immigrants and refugees in this country.